Translation and Meaning of: 裂ける - sakeru

The Japanese word 裂ける [さける] is a verb that carries an intense and visual meaning, often used to describe something that tears or splits abruptly. Whether it's a fabric tearing, a paper being divided, or even relationships breaking apart, this term appears in contexts where the separation is physically or emotionally impactful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, everyday usage, and how it connects with Japanese culture.

For those studying Japanese, understanding 裂ける goes beyond literal translation. It appears in everyday dialogues, song lyrics, and even in dramatic scenes of animes and dramas. Here, you will discover how to memorize it easily and in which situations it is most frequently used by natives. Let's start by unveiling its main meaning and then dive into cultural details that make this word so interesting.

Meaning and use of 裂ける

裂ける is a Japanese verb that means "to tear," "to split," or "to rupture." Unlike words like 破れる (yabureru), which indicates a more general breaking, 裂ける suggests a more violent or sudden action. Imagine a piece of cloth being pulled hard until it divides into two parts — this is the image that 裂ける evokes. It can also be used metaphorically, as in "the sky tore with a lightning strike" (空が雷で裂けた).

In everyday life, the Japanese use this word in concrete situations, such as clothes that accidentally tear or papers that are cut forcefully. But they also employ it in emotional contexts, such as relationships that break in a painful way. A common example is the expression 心が裂ける (kokoro ga sakeru), which describes a "broken heart" or intense emotional pain. This duality between the physical and the emotional makes 裂ける a versatile and expressive term.

Origin and writing of kanji

The kanji 裂 is composed of the radical 衣 (clothes) and the component 列 (row, line). This combination is not coincidental: it reinforces the idea of something being divided into parts, like a fabric that tears along a line. The radical 衣 appears in various words related to clothing, while 列 brings the notion of separation or division. Together, they form a character that visually suggests a well-defined tear.

It is worth highlighting that 裂ける is one of the kun'yomi (Japanese) readings of the kanji 裂, which can also be read as "retsu" in compounds like 分裂 (bunretsu — division, separation). This same kanji appears in technical terms, such as 裂傷 (resshō — laceration), showing its connection to injuries or physical damage. Being able to recognize these components can aid in memorization, especially for those who are already studying other kanjis with similar radicals.

Tips for memorizing and using correctly

An effective way to remember 裂ける is to associate it with specific sounds or situations. For example, the sound of fabric tearing ("rrripp!") vaguely reminds one of the pronunciation "sakeru". Another tip is to create simple sentences, such as 紙が裂けた (kami ga saketa — the paper tore), and repeat them out loud. Anki and other flashcard apps are useful for practicing this type of contextualized vocabulary.

Avoid confusing 裂ける with similar verbs like 破れる (yabureru) or 切れる (kireru). While 裂ける implies a more dramatic rupture, 破れる is used for things that break or tear without much force (like a balloon popping). On the other hand, 切れる generally refers to clean cuts made with a knife or scissors. Mastering these nuances will help avoid common mistakes among Japanese learners.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 裂ける (sakeru) - Tear, split, or open into cracks.
• 割ける (sakeru) - To separate or divide something, usually with a cut, as in opening a space.
• 破ける (yabukeru) - To come apart, break apart, or tear apart so that the parts are separated.
• 切れる (kireru) - To cut oneself, to be cut, or to become unable to function normally.
• 解ける (tokeru) - Untie, resolve or free oneself from a tie or confusion.
• 分かれる (wakareru) - To separate or divide into parts, whether in relationships or in physicals.
• 亀裂が入る (kiretsu ga hairu) - To form a crack or fissure in something.

裂ける

Romaji: sakeru
Kana: さける
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: to divide; to tear apart; to burst

Meaning in English: to split;to tear;to burst

Definition: The breaking of something into one or more parts by force or other means.

Example Sentences - (裂ける) sakeru

See below some example sentences:

この紙は裂ける。

Kono kami wa sakeru

This paper rips.

This article is divided.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this" or "this here"
• 紙 - noun that means "paper"
• は - topic particle indicating that the noun "papel" is the theme of the sentence
• 裂ける - Verb that means "tear" or "rip"